Bhubaneswar: There will be no parade during Independence Day celebrations in Odisha this year in view of the recent surge in COVID-19 cases, according to a media report.
“In view of the COVID-19 pandemic in the state, the Odisha government has discouraged large gatherings along with taking several other preventive measures to contain the spread of the disease like previous years,” the report said, citing an official notification.
In Bhubaneswar, the venue of the Independence Day celebrations will be IDCO Exhibition Ground, Unit-3, where Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will be the chief guest.
There will be presentation of Guard of Honour. Three contingents of OSAP, ODRAF, BSF and SS Battalion besides the Police Band will participate in the function, the report said.
Officers and contingents participating in the function will undergo COVID-19 tests.